12 entries from February 2008

Thursday, February 28, 2008

I don’t know if it is "politically correct" to call them HOBO PACKETS anymore but a search of the Internet and my Cooking Books indicates that the name is still in use. This is a version that my mom always made and now I make it too. It’s easy, good, and combines your vegetable and starch into one dish-making grilling your full dinner easy.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

A family in Portland was gathered all together in their spa with friends in December when the first snow of winter started to fall. Talk about a contrast in senses! As flakes fell softly on their heads, they looked to the sky and smiled. Where else can you experience snow in a swimming suit without being chilled?

And now it is even warmer. Spring is coming, and we are enjoying 50 and 60 degrees once again. Before your schedule gets packed with sun-time activity, why not have a group of people over and enjoy yourself? You can’t ask for a more relaxing party-especially for the host and/or hostess. If you can keep it outside, great. But if not, consider having everyone in for a movie or board game after hot-tub time.

Tips:

Tell everyone to bring suits and towels, but keep a few extra towels or terrycloth robes on hand just in case.

Uncover the hot-tub ahead of time, test the temperature and insure that everything works well.

Organize the changing areas and insure that everyone knows where the restroom is.

Water use means hunger, especially for the younger set. Have refreshments available.

If kids are coming, it is always good to have extra clothes available too-just in case.

Plan for some quiet background music while people are enjoying the water.

Have any water accessories, cushions, etc available for the party.

Plan some seating nearby for those who may not want to go in the water.

Keep your guest list in mind-there is something to be said re inviting various personalities. Where would our parties be without the person who talks a lot? Or the one who always finds time to greet everyone? You get the point.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Did you know that furniture talks? Indeed and this is why it is important to choose pieces that speak to your specific needs in your outdoor space.

CHAIR-A chair or bench invites someone to pause, and then sit. You can direct traffic through your outdoor rooms with carefully placed sitting areas. You can even attempt to control the amount of time that guests sit by keeping comfort, or lack thereof, in mind. A soft lounging chair says “Stay as long as you want and relax” and a barstool or hard chair says, “Perch a few moments and talk”. A chair by itself indicates, “Move around and be social or sit and be alone.”

TABLE- A round table’s edges are more soothing to the eye. A round table also encourages socialization. A square table also serves a purpose by usually seating more people and allowing people to keep more of a personal space (“bubble” as my kids call it) around them. Ever notice at an event that people are more hesitant to join a stranger at a round table than a square one? Surfaces speak as well. Glass is more elegant. Wood is more casual. Plastic is seen as more kid-friendly. And what is on your table also speaks. Make it inviting. A too-crowded table is not inviting. Consider placing food on one table and seating at another.

ACCESSORIES- A well placed bouquet or accessory can impede socialization (for instance a too tall centerpiece in the middle of a table) or can become a touch on the shoulder that invites a pause (when placed on a side table near a chair). An outdoor rug or mat can spice up your space, or be in the way. An outdoor heater or grill may be useful and appreciated, but not pleasing to the eye. If possible, tuck the heater where it can do its job but where it doesn’t draw the eye, and keep the grill away from the seating and eating areas.

Talk it up, and talk it well. It is part of the overall experience for your family and guests.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Right now, we are busy at the Seattle Homeshow, and greatly enjoying showing YOU how to make your outdoors an extension of your home and a relaxing retreat as well. Beginning tomorrow, we will also be at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show at the Convention Center downtown Seattle where we will feature patio furniture and a Big Green Egg charcoal BBQ (yes, many people do still prefer charcoal grills). We will be offering special show pricing so why don’t you come on by to say "hello"? We would love to meet you (or re-meet you) and get you started (or continued) on that backyard retreat.

You are probably relishing the sunshine just like we are. And thankfully, it is a sign of things to come. If you aren’t ready yet, that is OK. We are here for you. Whether you are looking for a spa/hot-tub, outdoor furniture, outdoor heater or grill-we have everything that you need and great ideas to help you prepare for warmer weather and fun gatherings with your friends, family and neighbors.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

In states like Arizona, people love to live outdoors when it is not too warm. By adding a covered "porch" onto their homes, they enjoy extra time with family and friends. Many grill a large percentage of their meals. And something magical occurs.

Neighbors out for a walk wave hello, and often stop to talk. People driving by might pause and ask for directions. Without the distraction of electronics, your family actually enjoys time talking again. You realize that you not only have a neighborhood, but a sense of community within it, because no one is hiding behind closed doors.

Outdoor furniture is an important aspect of socialization and bonding with your family and community, even in the Northwest. The last few years, we have had warm enough weather at the end of February for outdoor gathering. And in January a couple of years ago, we actually had a stretch of seventy-degree weather for an entire week!

Are you ready? Outdoors is already beckoning to me and I know it must be to you, too.

Whether outdoor furniture is a part of your original landscape plan or not, it is time to add it in. It does often take a few weeks for delivery so plan now so that you can enjoy it when the warmth hits.

A table set with chairs is essential, of course, and chairs that can be relaxed in are important too. In fact, the Adjustable Arm Double Chaise made by Lloyd/Flanders comes highly recommended. The wicker Tea Trolley is a fun, and usable accessory. And Rich’s even carries outdoor heaters for those evenings when the Northwest chill visits.

Your outdoor gathering area is but an extension of your home. Prepareit as such, and you will be glad that you did.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

"Based on my past experience, I will not only continue to be a loyal customer, but continue to refer as many people to you as possible. You truly are the Nordstrom’s of the spa and furniture business" ~Eric W.T., Clinton, WA.

Rich’s donated a teak patio furniture set to Extreme Makeover about 2 years ago when the show was being filmed in Seattle. We also donate merchandise annually to organizations like Young Life, Run to Win, Make a Wish, Susan G. Komen and many Christian schools. Why? Simple. Because we are an organization who cares.

Here are more ways that we show how much we care:

Kids can enter to win a free rubber duck from Rich’s. Drawings are once a month.

Try before you buy. Information about free soak tests in the Puget Sound area.

Monday, February 11, 2008

"Four legs on the floor!" I announced, yet again, to my tween. He loves to sit in the bar stools, and then lean back on the back two legs, using the table as leverage. I try to remember that I also enjoyed doing that as a kid but as an adult and a mother, I can’t help but wince as I think of both the safety issues and wear on the bar stool when I see my own following in my footsteps. I guess I’m getting old!

An essential component for entertaining is sitting options for you and your guests and bar stools from Rich’s are ideal to meet this need. They offer a perching opportunity for both socialization and rest and come in a large variety of types and styles.

Here are the top four things to consider before purchasing your bar stools:

When and where will they be used? Inside or outside? If outside in a cold or wet climate, you should consider storage options to prevent damage when not in use.

What is your climate like if they will be outside? If you are here in the Northwest, rain must be taken into account. If you are in a warm area, potential sun damage should also be considered.

How they will be used and with what table or bar? Various types of stools include Counter Stools, Bar Stools, Extra Tall Stools, Stacking Stools, Outdoor Stools, Swivels, Backless, Stools with Arms and Folding Stools.

Do you have a certain type of bar stool that you would recommend? If so, please comment and let us know.

Thursday, February 07, 2008

A spa or hot-tub is an investment and hopefully something that you will spend lots of time in. It makes sense to choose one that fits you and your family, as well as your décor.

With numerous options and features available (yes, cup-holders, sound systems, towel warmers, etc are not just rumors), you should consider discussing the many options before loading everyone up to hit one of Rich’s showrooms.

Take the following into consideration:

Consider the main use. Will your spa be for therapeutic reasons? Social interaction? This will help you determine size, seating needs and jet preferences.

Think about décor. If you are fitting the spa into current landscaping or a new landscaping plan, you will need to consider color, shape, size and preparation in relation to where the spa will sit.

Comfort is key. Especially if using the spa for therapeutic reasons, be aware that various comfort options are offered, including padded pillows. Music options with a waterproof remote might help your motivation if you are using the warm water to exercise.

Consider responsibility, as well as finances. If you choose an energy-efficient model, most cost $12.00 or less a month to run.

Consider the future. Perhaps you don’t want music now but your kids are only a few years away from blasting you out of the house with their stereos. Or maybe your main reason for buying a spa now is for your kid’s events, but they will fly the coop in a couple of years. These are all things to keep in mind before making a purchase.

Consider timing. Will you be moving in the next few years? Spas are considered portable but it doesn’t mean that you will want to upset the landscaping around it and take it with you if you move. Most people don’t. Determine what will happen if you do relocate and choose your hot tub or spa with that in mind.

Here is a fun article originally published in Pool & Spa Living about choosing your spa based on your "personality". I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

One of Rich’s popular comforts in long days and months of grey, black, wet and cold is a hot jetted spa. Frequent soaks not only are warming, but sooth away the kinks and stress, and make everything grey seem just a bit brighter. It’s all in the blood flow of our bodies, which is more limited when we tense up. And of course with blood flow at reduced capacity, our brains and other organs don’t function as well. A recent study tied reduced blood flow in the brain to dementia. Yikes! Aches and pains increase without proper blood flow and heart issues can also occur.

Hydrotherapy

Relaxes the muscles and smoothes away pain

Reduces soreness and tightness

Rejuvenates the skin cells

If pain is an issue for you check with your doctor about some gentle exercises and stretches you can accomplish while in warm water. The right kind of warm water exercise is beneficial for cases of back pain, knee pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia and more.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post-we will talk about how to choose a spa that is right for you.

Monday, February 04, 2008

The answer wasn’t that difficult of course-it just took me a moment to organize a response in my brain.

“Well,” I said carefully (because I really do need to study up more), “anything that we release into the air has an effect on our environment, and can make our air dirty.”

Pitiful, I know. I promise to study up more.

I wanted to let you know that Rich’s for the Home has a commitment to offer Eco-Labeled stoves for customers who desire to warm responsibly. Within that realm, there is a variety of options for all, with more being manufactured all of the time. Find out more about the standards and how to warm responsibly.

It’s not just a trend, but a wave of the future. An important wave. Hop aboard.